If you’re on board, be prepared

Operating a boat is at least as complicated as driving a car, and a boating accident can be just as lethal as a road accident. Many people who would never drive drunk think it’s safe to operate their boat after drinking. It isn’t.

Avoid alcohol

Safer boating and alcohol do not mix. Things can change quickly on the water. All on board need to stay alert and aware.

Be alert

Parents supervising children need to be particularly alert while on the water.

Don’t go overboard if you’re taking a leak

There have been a number of cases in recent years where experienced mariners have fallen overboard and drowned after attempting to urinate over the side (especially at night). Be careful where and how you go.

Alcohol related stories

A man who’d been drinking drowned after he ran out of fuel and tried to swim ashore.

Skipper responsibilities

You can be prosecuted for operating a boat in a manner that causes unnecessary danger, under section 65 of the Maritime Transport Act.

As a skipper, you’re responsible for the safety and wellbeing of everyone on board your boat. A responsible skipper will never operate under the influence of alcohol or allow an intoxicated person to operate their boat.

There’s no such thing as ‘off the clock’ on a boat or ship

Skippers on board a vessel should always be capable of performing any tasks required of them. This is particularly important on the water, where an emergency requiring action may arise at any time.

It doesn’t take much

Alcohol is absorbed directly into the blood stream and its effects are usually apparent within minutes. Even moderate drinking can seriously impair your ability to operate a boat safely.

Drinking alcohol faster than your body can process it will increase blood alcohol levels. Alcohol is burned off at a fairly constant rate – at about one standard drink per hour. Consumption of any amount of alcohol may be dangerous, but the higher the resulting blood alcohol level, the greater the danger.

Alcohol affects people differently and reactions will vary, depending on factors such as the type of alcohol you have consumed, and your body weight, food consumption, medication, stress and fatigue.

No matter the activity, alcohol affects balance, vision, coordination and judgement. In boating, factors like wind, sun, noise, motion and vibration can magnify the effects of alcohol and accelerate impairment.

A momentary lapse that might pass unnoticed on shore can have dangerous consequences out on the water.

Alcohol will:

decrease your coordination and ability to perform a simple task, such as putting on a lifejacket